Italian media are reporting that Stefano Pioli's position as head coach at the club is under scrutiny. Following three straight losses in Serie A sandwiched in between an away win in Europe against Rosenborg, the pressure is mounting on Pioli to turn the season around. The results are not positive but more concerning is how the players are performing on the field. In these recent games it looks as though the players have lost all sense of direction and have run out of ideas.

Corriere dello Sport believe that Pioli will be given the next eight games to turn the season's fortunes around. From now until the New Year period he will be given the chance for redemption, an ultimatum to get back in the race for Champions League football.

The redemption period will need to start after the international break at home in the familiar Stadio Olimpico against Palermo. Prior to the 1-3 loss against AC Milan, Lazio were undefeated at home all season so it is vital that the team regroups and gets a positive result against the Sicilians at home to kick start the recovery. After that, Pioli and the team will travel to face a plucky Empoli side and then its the champions Juventus, Sampdoria, and then against Roberto Mancini's new-look and rejuvenated Inter Milan side.

In between these Serie A clashes there are still the two remaining Europa League games to be played - against Saint Etienne in France and Dnipro in Rome. The brilliant thing about this season's European campaign is that only one more point is required to qualify to the knock out stages, but Lazio will want to secure first position ahead of the French and Ukrainian outfits. Perhaps Pioli can afford to rest some players which can only be a blessing given the misfortune with injuries this season to date.

On December 17th there is the second round clash in the Coppa Italia at the Olimpico against either Udinese or Atalanta.

If Corriere dello Sport are to be believed, Pioli will have these eight games to save his Lazio career. After a very promising and hugely successful first season in charge last year, this season has been very mixed with some disappointing results so he will be feeling the pressure. Ultimately though it will come down to how club president Claudio Lotito views the situation come the New Year and if a new mister will be in charge of Rome's first club or not.